GARY JOHNSON
Budapest
Summary
Dynamic Entertainment & Engagement Manager with proven leadership at Windstar Cruises, adept at enhancing guest experiences through innovative programming and team building. Successfully increased onboard revenue by promoting engaging events, while consistently delivering exceptional customer service. Skilled in project management and passionate about creating memorable moments for guests.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Entertainment & Engagement Manager
Windstar Cruises
Miami
10.2024 - Current
- Manage a diverse entertainment team in a positive and supportive environment.
- Create and execute various guest entertainment activities and social events.
- Demonstrate attentive customer service skills, engaging guests in a friendly manner.
- Working together with all onboard services to ensure a seamless guest experience.
Cruise Director
Silversea Cruises
Miami
02.2024 - 09.2024
- Managed a diverse team in a positive and supportive environment.
- Created and executed various guest entertainment activities, events and social events.
- Demonstrated attentive customer service skills interacting with guests in a friendly manner.
- Worked together with all onboard services to ensure a seamless guest experience.
Cruise Director
Oceania Cruises
Miami
06.2022 - 11.2023
- Provided leadership for team members, ensuring support and guidance.
- Planned and organized daily activities and evening entertainment for passengers.
- Promoted shipboard revenue services resulting in an increase in revenue cruise over cruise.
Train Manager
Rocky Mountaineer
Vancouver
12.2021 - 06.2022
- Responsible for the overall service of 600 guests seated across 22 rail cars.
- Managed a team of 70 service personnel in two service levels ~ Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf.
- Tasked with the logistics of all stores, hotels and transportation for guest service needs.
- Continuous guest engagement, addressing all passengers' questions, requests, and feedback.
Cruise Director
Gate 1 Travel, River Cruises
Philadelphia
01.2015 - 12.2019
- Demonstrated seasoned guest service skills in a friendly and professional manner.
- Coordinated with local vendors to provide high quality services in different ports of call.
- Collaborated with onboard departments ensuring exceptional guest operations.
- Created and hosted guest programs including themed activities and enrichment.
Cruise Director
Scenic Luxury River Cruises
Basel
01.2014 - 12.2016
- Ensured shipboard services were delivered as contracted.
- Coordinated all guest land tours and bespoke events.
- Presented daily port talks providing guests with an overview of the destinations.
- Provide assessments ensuring shipboard and shoreside services delivered as promised.
Program Director
Viking River Cruises
Basel
01.2012 - 12.2014
- Prepared the daily programming for each port of call, reconfirming all services.
- Presented daily port talks providing guests with an overview of the destinations.
- Organized all land operations with service providers ensuring a seamless guest experience.
- Cooperate with shipboard service staff to provide guests with a memorable vacation.
Cruise Director
Star Cruises / NCL
Singapore
11.2010 - 07.2012
- Managed and mentored an entertainment department of over 90 team members.
- Prepared the daily guest program, entertainment events and scheduled staff accordingly.
- Hosted guest shows, special events and private guest and corporate functions onboard.
- Supported onboard revenue departments and assisted them with achieving financial targets.
Education
Communications & Literature
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BCLanguages, Recreation
Langara College
Vancouver, BCGuest Service Hospitality
Johnson & Wales University
Miami, FLSkills
- Leadership
- Team Building
- Guest Experience
- Computer Literacy
- Project Management
- Entertainment Programming
Personal Information
Title: Cruise Director
References
Upon request
Locations
- Budapest, Hungary
- Vancouver, Canada
Safety
- STCW Basic Safety Training ~ Valid until 2027
- First Aid
- Fire Fighting
- Crowd Control
- Personal Survival
Timeline
Entertainment & Engagement Manager
Windstar Cruises
10.2024 - Current
Cruise Director
Silversea Cruises
02.2024 - 09.2024
Cruise Director
Oceania Cruises
06.2022 - 11.2023
Train Manager
Rocky Mountaineer
12.2021 - 06.2022
Cruise Director
Gate 1 Travel, River Cruises
01.2015 - 12.2019
Cruise Director
Scenic Luxury River Cruises
01.2014 - 12.2016
Program Director
Viking River Cruises
01.2012 - 12.2014
Cruise Director
Star Cruises / NCL
11.2010 - 07.2012
Communications & Literature
University of British Columbia
Languages, Recreation
Langara College
Guest Service Hospitality
Johnson & Wales University
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